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The paper is focused on the formalization of an experimental procedure aimed to characterize the efficiency behaviour of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor-based drive. The characterization is intended to expose the analytical behaviour of the system efficiency by the actual operating condition assigned through torque/speed value. The availability of such a relation in a simple analytical form would allow for real-time adjustment by advanced power management strategies to maximize the whole system efficiency. The proposed method is based on a defined set of measures corresponding to several drive operating conditions. A straightforward elaboration procedure is then formulated with the aim to quantify the different parameters, which intervene in the efficiency characterization. The method has been applied on a 155 kW drive. The results show that good accuracy is achieved while keeping the analytical approach relatively simple.

Lo scopo del lavoro è stato quello di sviluppare un profilometro per misure di tessitura stradale, al fine di studiarne la correlazione con il rumore di rotolamento. Il software di analisi è basato su una procedura che permette anche una stima dell’incertezza di misura. Sono state analizzate misure di tessitura e di rumore ottenuto col metodo CPX su diversi tipi di pavimentazione, e sono stati studiati alcuni modelli, tenendo conto del concetto di tessitura efficace. --- The purpose of this work was to develop a laser profilometer focused on the measurement of texture of road pavements, in order to study its correlation with rolling noise. The elaboration software is based on a procedure that yields information about uncertainties of measurements. The analysis has involved road texture measurements and rolling noise measured according to the CPX method on different pavements; several models have been studied, taking into account tyre envelopment of road texture.

Using images to determine camera position and attitude is a consolidated method, very widespread for application like UAV navigation. In harsh environment, where GNSS could be degraded or denied, image-based positioning could represent a possible candidate for an integrated or alternative system. In this paper, such method is investigated using a system based on single camera and 3D maps. A robust estimation method is proposed in order to limit the effect of blunders or noisy measurements on position solution. The proposed approach is tested using images collected in an urban canyon, where GNSS positioning is very unaccurate. A previous photogrammetry survey has been performed to build the 3D model of tested area. The position accuracy analysis is performed and the effect of the robust method proposed is validated.

The insulation system’s dielectric of the electric motor is very often subjected to severe electrical stress generated by the high dv/dt seen at the machine’s terminals. The electrical stress and high reflected wave transient overvoltage are even more evident in case of high-speed machines fed by high-frequency (HF) converters featuring very fast wide-bandgap devices. They are promoting the occurrence of partial discharges and consequently accelerate ageing. As this is serious issue and the main cause of the drive failure, it is important to analyse and characterise the surges at the motor terminals. Several HF models of motors have been proposed in the literature for this purpose. This article presents a survey on HF motor models, which is crucial in understanding and studying the most critical parameter identification and overvoltage mitigation techniques. Moreover, it offers a comparison of the models’ main features as well as a comparison with the experimental voltage waveform at motor terminals. A general overview of the partial discharge (PD) phenomenon is also provided, as it is favoured by HF operation and together with HF motor modelling provides key insights to the insulation ageing issue. In particular, an analysis of the effects of PWM waveform affecting insulation is given, as well as useful methods for developing strategies for the inspection and maintenance of winding insulation.

Amplification or mutation of the Her2 oncoantigen in human mammary glands leads to the development of an aggressive breast carcinoma. Several features of this breast carcinoma are reproduced in mammary carcinomas that spontaneously arise in female transgenic mice bearing the activated rat Her2 oncogene under transcriptional control of the mouse mammary tumor virus promoter-BALB-neuT (neuT) mice. We previously demonstrated that carcinoma progression in neuT mice can be prevented by DNA vaccination with RHuT, a plasmid coding for a chimeric rat/human Her2 protein. RHuT vaccination exerts an antitumor effect, mostly mediated by the induction of a strong anti-rat Her2 antibody response. IgG induced by RHuT vaccine mainly acts by blocking Her2 signaling, thus impairing cell cycle progression and inducing apoptosis of cancer cells, but other indirect effector mechanisms could be involved in the antibody-mediated protection. The recruitment of cells with perforin-dependent cytotoxic activity, able to perform antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, has already been investigated. Less is known about the role of the complement system in sustaining antitumor response through complement-dependent cytotoxicity and cellular cytotoxicity in vaccinated mice. This work highlights that the weight of such mechanisms in RHuT-induced cancer protection is different in transplantable versus autochthonous Her2+ tumor models. These results may shed new light on the effector mechanisms involved in antibody-dependent anti-cancer responses, which might be exploited to ameliorate the therapy of Her2+ breast cancer.

Purpose: Clinical guidelines have recently included renal mass biopsy (RMB) in management algorithms, especially in the setting of small renal masses ≤ 4 cm (SRM) and ablative therapy. We sought to evaluate the diagnostic rates of RMB, factors associated with a non-diagnostic biopsy, its clinical utility, and its safety profile in the setting of ablative therapy. Materials and Methods: A total of 174 RMB from 167 patients, performed in a tertiary academic center from 01/2015 to 01/2019, were included. Patient demographics, radiographic mass size, RMB diagnoses, subsequent clinical management, and complications were retrospectively reviewed. RMBs were classified as diagnostic or non-diagnostic based on set criteria. Results: The mean mass size was 3.0 cm (range: 0.5-15.3 cm) and 140 biopsies (80%) were SRM. Among all RMB, 159 (91%) were diagnostic and 15 (9%) were non-diagnostic. Non-diagnostic biopsies were associated with small mass size, the presence of a cystic component (p < 0.00001) and fewer number of cores submitted (p = 0.0046). All non-diagnostic biopsies occurred in SRMs, where the mean mass size was significantly smaller than diagnostic biopsies (1.3 versus 3.2 cm, p = 0.001). RMB with concurrent ablation yielded non-diagnostic results more frequently than isolated RMBs (15% vs 2%, respectively). Conclusions: RMB is useful for definitive diagnosis and clinical management in the setting of ablative therapy. Small mass size, cystic lesions, and fewer number of passes obtained are associated with non-diagnostic biopsies. When a renal mass diagnosis is particularly critical, a separate biopsy procedure prior to ablative therapy is recommended.

We appreciate the interest in our review and we are grateful for the comment by Gambazza S. [...]

Actually complex underground structures and facilities occupy a wide space in our cities, most of them are often unsurveyed; cable duct, drainage system are not exception. Furthermore, several inspection operations are performed in critical air condition, that do not allow or make more difficult a conventional survey. In this scenario a prompt methodology to survey and georeferencing such facilities is often indispensable. A visual based approach was proposed in this paper; such methodology provides a 3D model of the environment and the path followed by the camera using the conventional photogrammetric/Structure from motion software tools. The key-role is played by the lens camera; indeed, a fisheye system was employed to obtain a very wide field of view (FOV) and therefore high overlapping among the frames. The camera geometry is in according to a forward motion along the axis camera. Consequently, to avoid instability of bundle adjustment algorithm a preliminary calibration of camera was carried out. A specific case study was reported and the accuracy achieved.

A photogrammetric survey of a unique archaeological site is reported in this paper. The survey was performed using both a panoramic image-based solution and by classical procedure. The panoramic image-based solution was carried out employing a commercial solution: the Trimble V10 Imaging Rover (IR). Such instrument is an integrated cameras system that captures 360 degrees digital panoramas, composed of 12 images, with a single push. The direct comparison of the point clouds obtained with traditional photogrammetric procedure and V10 stations, using the same GCP coordinates has been carried out in Cloud Compare, open source software that can provide the comparison between two point clouds supplied by all the main statistical data. The site is a portion of the dial plate of the “Horologium Augusti” inaugurated in 9 B.C.E. in the area of Campo Marzio and still present intact in the same position, in a cellar of a building in Rome, around 7 meter below the present ground level.

A large part of the archaeological remains still to be discovered and excavated are not in remote and depopulated areas of the earth but are often beneath urban centres that have buried them with centuries of debris and later constructions. Excavating in these contexts is much more complex than digging in rural or sparsely inhabited areas because of the constraints imposed by existing buildings and infrastructure. It should also be considered that within an urbanised area, any archaeological remains are concentrated in the subsoil of the historic centre, which is, therefore, often surmounted by buildings that are more recent than the remains but historical as well, and thus, of considerable value and vulnerability. For this reason, an archaeological excavation in an urban area must be preceded by a real feasibility study, where the potential risks for the structures above are minimised and accurately quantified. In many situations, as in the case under study, the discovery of a small segment of a structure is the only clue to reconstruct the development of the remaining part still to be excavated, which may stretch tens or hundreds of metres away from the measurable part. As a consequence, an error of a few centimetres in the survey of the excavated part can lead to errors of metres in estimating the positions of the far parts still to be excavated, and this, in many cases, as in the one under study, must absolutely be avoided. In practice, high-precision geomatic surveys, in support of the archaeological and historical interpretation of the observable structures, will help to establish the exact locations to possibly continue the excavations, helping the accurate planning of the excavation itself. Here, we have shown how the various techniques, compared to each other, have made it possible to reconstruct the location of a short stretch (less than 7 m) of the Emperor Augustus’ Sundial, the only currently visible evidence of a scientific instrument of imposing dimensions (tens of metres in length and height) that served to define some of the characteristics of the calendar that we still use today. The portion of the sundial currently observable, according to the most reliable hypotheses, is located approximately at one end of a structure and extends for several tens of metres. The accurate positioning of the observable parts in a geodetic reference system will enable to identify with certainty the possible areas in which excavation may continue and will also allow to accurately reconstruct the principle of operation of the sundial through an approach that could be defined as “reverse engineering” of the scientific instrument itself. The aim of this work is to study and thus define the combination and integration of existing geomatic techniques for this specific field of application.

The paper firstly summarizes a simple analytical model of the air gap flux-density distribution for isotropic permanent magnet (PM) synchronous machines, in the presence of static eccentricity. The model was proposed by the authors in a previous paper and is based on an efficacious analytical expression of the variable length of air gap magnetic field lines which occur in eccentric brushless machines with surface-mounted permanent magnets. The approximate expression of the air gap field makes it possible to achieve a mathematical model with concentrated parameters close to that of a PM machine without eccentricity. The expression of the armature voltages and electromagnetic torque are found, also with reference to steady-state operating conditions at fixed rotor speed and impressed currents. The differences introduced by the considered type of eccentricity are evaluated and highlighted especially with reference to the air gap inductance and to waveforms and frequency spectra of voltages and shaft torque. Numerical results in a case-study of an 8-pole, 110 kW PM motor are compared to those obtained by using finite element analysis.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease inherited by an autosomal recessive mechanism and characterized by a progressive and severe multi-organ failure. Mutations in Cystic Fibrosis Conductance Regulator (CFTR) protein cause duct obstructions from dense mucus secretions and chronic inflammation related to organ damage. The progression of the disease is characterized by a decline of lung function associated with metabolic disorders and malnutrition, musculoskeletal disorders and thoracic deformities, leading to a progressive decrement of the individual’s quality of life. The World Health Organization (WHO) qualifies Physical Activity (PA) as a structured activity produced by skeletal muscles’ movements that requires energy consumption. In the last decade, the number of studies on PA increased considerably, including those investigating the effects of exercise on cognitive and brain health and mental performance. PA is recommended in CF management guidelines, since it improves clinic outcomes, such as peripheral neuropathy, oxygen uptake peak, bone health, glycemic control and respiratory functions. Several studies regarding the positive effects of exercise in patients with Cystic Fibrosis were carried out, but the link between the effects of exercise and cognitive and brain health in CF remains unclear. Animal models showed that exercise might improve learning and memory through structural changes of brain architecture, and such a causal relationship can also be described in humans. Indeed, both morphological and environmental factors seem to be involved in exercise-induced neural plasticity. An increase of gray matter volume in specific areas is detectable as a consequence of regular training in humans. Neurobiological processes associated with brain function improvements include biochemical modifications, such as neuromodulator or neurohormone release, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) production and synaptic activity changes. From a functional point of view, PA also seems to be an environmental factor enhancing cognitive abilities, such as executive functions, memory and processing speed. This review describes the current state of research regarding the impacts of physical activity and exercise on cognitive functions, introducing a possible novel field of research for optimizing the management of Cystic Fibrosis.

The paper deals with design and control of a fault tolerant and reconfigurable photovoltaic converter integrating a Battery Energy Storage System as a standby backup energy resource. When a failure occurs, an appropriate control method makes the energy conversion system capable of operating in open-delta configuration in parallel with the grid as well as in islanded mode. In case network voltage is lacking due to heavy anomalies or maintenance reasons, the proposed control system is able to quickly disconnect the inverter from the grid while ensuring the energy continuity to the local load and the emergency fixtures by means of the integrated battery packs. In particular, the paper proposes a fast islanding detection method essential for the correct operation of the control system. This specific technique is based on the Hilbert transform of the voltage of the point of common coupling, and it identifies the utility lack in a period of time equal to half a grid cycle in the best case (i.e., 10 ms), thus resulting in good speed performance fully meeting the standard requirements. A thorough numerical investigation is carried out with reference to a representative case study in order to demonstrate the feasibility and the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.

PurposeTo validate prognostic factors and determine the impact of obesity, hypertension, smoking and diabetes mellitus (DM) on risk of recurrence after surgery in patients with localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC).Materials and methodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study among patients that underwent partial or radical nephrectomy at Weill Cornell Medicine for RCC and collected preoperative information on RCC risk factors, as well as pathological data. Cases were reviewed for radiographic evidence of RCC recurrence. A Cox proportional-hazards model was developed to determine the contribution of RCC risk factors to recurrence risk. Disease-free survival and overall survival were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test.ResultsWe identified 873 patients who underwent surgery for RCC between the years 2000-2015. In total 115 patients (13.2%) experienced a disease recurrence after a median follow up of 4.9 years. In multivariate analysis, increasing pathological T-stage (HR 1.429, 95% CI 1.265-1.614) and Nuclear grade (HR 2.376, 95% CI 1.734-3.255) were independently associated with RCC recurrence. In patients with T1-2 tumors, DM was identified as an additional independent risk factor for RCC recurrence (HR 2.744, 95% CI 1.343-5.605). Patients with DM had a significantly shorter median disease-free survival (1.5 years versus 2.6 years, p = 0.004), as well as median overall survival (4.1 years, versus 5.8 years, pConclusionsWe validated high pathological T-stage and nuclear grade as independent risk factors for RCC recurrence following nephrectomy. DM is associated with an increased risk of recurrence among patients with early stage disease.

In marine biology the shape, morphology, texture and dimensions of the shells and organisms like sponges and gorgonians are very important parameters. For example, a particular type of gorgonian grows every year only few millimeters; this estimation was conducted without any measurement instrument but it has been provided after successive observational studies, because this organism is very fragile: the contact could compromise its structure and outliving. Non-contact measurement system has to be used to preserve such organisms: the photogrammetry is a method capable to assure high accuracy without contact. Nevertheless, the achievement of a 3D photogrammetric model of complex object (as gorgonians or particular shells) is a challenge in normal environments, either with metric camera or with consumer camera. Indeed, the successful of automatic target-less image orientation and the image matching algorithms is strictly correlated to the object texture properties and of camera calibration quality as well. In the underwater scenario, the environment conditions strongly influence the results quality; in particular, water’s turbidity, the presence of suspension, flare and other optical aberrations decrease the image quality reducing the accuracy and increasing the noise on the 3D model. Furthermore, seawater density variability influences its refraction index and consequently the interior orientation camera parameters. For this reason, the camera calibration has to be performed in the same survey conditions. In this paper, a comparison between the 3D models of a Charonia Tritonis shell are carried out through surveys conducted both in dry and underwater environments.